WilliamModica

WILLIAM 'BILL' G. MODICA, 82 FREEPORT - William G. (Bill) Modica, 82, of Freeport passed away Monday, October 28, 2013, peacefully at home. William G. (Bill) Modica born March 10, 1931 in Freeport to William and Thelma (Rutter) Modica. Bill graduated from Freeport High School in 1949. He attended the University of Illinois for 1 year then enlisted in the US Navy. While visiting in Milwaukee he met his future wife, Irene Melaski. They were married August 21, 1954. There first year of marriage was spent in Naples, Italy where Bill was stationed with the Navy. After his discharge they returned to live and work in Freeport. Employed by Micro Switch for 29 years, he then worked as a car salesman for Myers Ford, Bear Country Ford and Tormohlen Auto before retiring. Bill was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where he served as an usher. His memberships included the Knights of Columbus, Elks, Aquin Boosters and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He also served on the Catholic School Board and as an election judge for Lancaster Township which he enjoyed doing as he got an opportunity to visit with his neighbors. Bill was an active Aquin Booster fan and helped in organizing their monthly flea market which is still held each month. Bill enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchere, and was an avid golfer playing almost daily with his friends. He was also an active supporter of Aquin Catholic Schools athletics and enjoyed watching all the basketball and football games. He was known at times to be heard "helping" the officials with certain calls on the court or the field. Even after his children and grandchildren's graduation, and after suffering a stroke in 2004, he always asked who was playing and he wanted to go to the game or listen to it on the radio. Bill is survived by his wife Irene of 59 years, two sons, Jeff (Regina) of Marshall Minnesota, Matthew (Mary) of Omaha Nebraska, a daughter, Mary (Bill) Pospischil of Freeport, nine grandchildren, Abbey (Rahul) Sualy, Laura (Neal) Papajcik, Benjamin Modica, Kyle (Emily) Pospischil, Kelly (finacee, Annie Gehlsen) Pospischil, Michael, Michela, Matthew and Marena Modica, and one great- grandson, Cooper Sualy. Visitation will be 4 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2013, and Thursday morning from 9 until 10 a.m. at Schwarz Park Blvd. Chapel. Funeral service will be on Thursday October 31, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Josephs Catholic Church, with Father Timothy Barr officiating. Burial will be at St. Josephs Cemetery immediately following. A memorial has been established Bill's memory. Private condolences and online guestbook may be signed at www.schwarzfh.com.